Rayshawn Simmons made a bucket to pull Central Michigan within two, 17-15, midway through the first half but back-to-back layups by Johnson sparked a 19-4 WKU run to close the half.

The Hilltoppers (3-2) led by as many as 36 in the second half.

Central Michigan (2-2) made just 8 of 34 (23.5 percent) field goals, including 2 of 15 from 3-point range, in the first half. The Chippewas didn't score after a dunk by DaRohn Scott with 5:59 left before the break.